Recognising student and alumni impact
The ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Student Impact Awards recognise the achievements of our students and their contributions to our city, the wider region and worldwide.
Our students and alumni make countless positive contributions to society every year and these awards, organised by the University and the Students’ Union, are just one way for us to celebrate them.
Students or alumni have been nominated for their contributions as individuals or as part of a club or society, and for activities related to their studies or extracurricular activities. This could be volunteering, fundraising, or starting a new business — or contributing to live enterprises as a placement student, graduate employee, or through a project.
Award categories
These awards highlight different forms of civic contribution to celebrate the diverse ways individuals positively impact their communities and beyond.
Volunteering Impact Award
Nominations open to current students
The Volunteering Impact Award honours students who create meaningful change through volunteer work.
Nominees inspire others by promoting social responsibility and civic action. The recipient stands out for going above and beyond—using their time, skills, and resources to support community initiatives, mentor others, and uplift underrepresented groups.
Congratulations to the following nominees (finalists in bold):
- Sara Alahdab
- Najmo Ali
- Amey Milind Bhatkande
- Mariam Bolatiwa
- Patryk Buczek
- Sally Clark
- India Clarke
- Poppy Crown
- Josephine Davies
- Panajota Diko
- Ben Green
- Jack Hayes
- Benjamin Heyes
- Mohanad Hijazi
- Emma Hounsome
- Eman Khalid Mahmood
- Eloise Manson-Hing
- Ishbel Mary
- Rachel Mather
- Katharine Misselbrooke
- Katie Mitchell
- Bryony Nock
- Alexander Owen-Phillips
- Benjamin Prior
- Suraksha Raviraja
- Kiran Thulasiraman Reddy
- Vanessa Ruck
- Zuzanna Rusek
- Susan Samaroo
- Keelan Squire
- Tracy Stewart
- Amelie Theodorou
- Sheneka Watt
- Dariya Yestekbayeva
Arts and Culture Impact Award
Nominations open to current students
The Arts and Culture Impact Award recognizes a student or group whose creative work has enriched our local cultural landscape.
This award celebrates the arts as a force for community-building, inclusion, and cultural diversity. The recipient has fostered creative expression, promoted connection, and inspired others to engage with and appreciate the arts.
Congratulations to the following nominees (finalists in bold):
- Awaaz FM Community Radio
- CCI Group Project - Anchored in the Community
- Faith Goves
- Eman Khalid Mahmood
- Paraskevi Markatou
- Elizabeth Oluyede
- Rock Society
- Saph Weaver
Placement Impact Award
Nominations open to current students
The Placement Student Impact Award honors students who have shown outstanding dedication, initiative, and impact during a work placement or internship.
Nominees apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges and make meaningful contributions through innovation, teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving. The recipient stands out for their professionalism and the value they’ve brought to their organisation or project.
Congratulations to the following nominees (finalists in bold):
- Stephen Abe
- Edem Alli-Agbenyeke
- Reemas Aloufi
- Naomi Barkley
- Elizabeth Bartlett
- Emma Beard
- Elizabeth Bell
- Mariam Bolatiwa
- Alyshia Bridle
- Lucy Brown
- Manethmi Doraymoray Badalge
- Georgia Eagle
- Alba Fernandez
- John Ford-Crush
- Louie Gitsham
- Liam Haime
- Jodie Harris
- Thomas Harrop
- Ben Howell
- Nandha Kangath Pramod
- Anass Khdach
- Eleanor Lowery
- Nikita Makna
- Kashish Malik
- Amie Martin
- Jake Miller
- Isabella Mills
- Priscilla Tariro Muhita
- Ian (Jesse) Mutenyo
- Saran Pama
- Alex Pearson
- Gokcen Piwek
- Ella Seneque
- Kwami Smith
- Margaret (Maggy) Smith
- George Stephens-Clark
- River Stewart
- Katie Todman
- Danny Trett
- Georgie Wells
- Eleanor Wickens
- Thiery Wirngo
Rising Star Impact Award
Nominations open to new graduates (within their first year of employment)
The Rising Star Impact Award celebrates new graduates who’ve made a strong, positive impact in their first year of employment.
Nominees have shown exceptional potential, work ethic, and initiative, quickly becoming valuable team members. Through fresh ideas, leadership, and a drive for excellence, the recipient has inspired those around them and made a transformative contribution to their workplace.
Congratulations to the following nominees (finalists in bold):
- Usman Ali
- Umar Ali Amar
- Sabrina Chapman
- Joely Chittenden
- Bethany Cook
- Harriet Griffen
- Amber Harris
- Ben Jeffreys
- Eman Khalid Mahmood
- Isaac Lawal
- Rhea Shears
- Jack Stacey
- Sandra Walska
- Sophie Young
Degree Apprenticeship Impact Award
Nominations open to current students
The Degree Apprentice Impact Award recognises apprentices who’ve made a meaningful contribution to their organisation over the past year.
Nominees have successfully balanced academic and professional demands, demonstrating skill, initiative, and dedication. The recipient has applied their learning to real-world challenges, offering fresh insights, driving improvements, and growing as both a learner and professional.
Congratulations to the following nominees (finalists in bold):
- Joe Allan
- Lily Arnold
- Mathew Bain
- David Bath
- Dixie Boxall
- George Buchanan
- Louis Clinch
- Ben Curtis
- Fletcher Davis
- Mason Eady
- Luke Eaton
- Grace Ellert
- Gary Etienne
- Stephen Fosher
- Chris Goddard
- John Hall
- Alexander Henderson
- Mollie-Mae Ives
- Erin Lee
- Sarah Leslie
- Eamon Long
- Jessica Lucas
- Keith Molyneux
- Joshua Price
- Henry Salmon
- Thomas Starling
- Eleanor Sutherland
- Grace Tapley
- Luke Templeton
- Tran Uyen
Sustainability Impact Award
Nominations open to both current students and graduates
The Sustainability Impact Award honours individuals or groups making a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability, locally and beyond.
Nominees show a strong commitment to protecting the planet through innovative practices and initiatives. Whether reducing waste, conserving resources, influencing policy, or promoting sustainable models, the recipient has advanced sustainability goals and inspired others to act.
Congratulations to the following nominees (finalists in bold):
- Anita Butler
- India Clarke
- Daria (Morgan) Janowicz
- Tommy Neil
- Keelan Squire
Health and Wellbeing Impact Award
Nominations open to both current students and graduates
The Health and Wellbeing Impact Award celebrates those who have significantly advanced physical or mental health and wellness in our community.
Nominees have gone above and beyond through initiatives like wellness programs, mental health support, or fitness advocacy. The recipient has shown a strong commitment to improving lives, creating lasting change, and empowering others to prioritise their wellbeing.
Congratulations to the following nominees (finalists in bold):
- Luke Campbell
- Awaaz FM Community Radio
- Katie Cowdrey
- Ioan Greene
- Fidelia Job
- James Lindsay
- Kashish Malik
- Nana Osei-Lah
- Kye Otsuka
- Callum Redgrave
- Sophie Sparks
- Alexis Turner
Global Impact Award
Nominations open to both current students and graduates
The Global Impact Award recognises individuals or groups who have enriched their student experience through international engagement and represented the ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï abroad.
Nominees have fostered global connections, cross-cultural understanding, and international collaboration. Through study abroad, research, internships, or cultural exchange, the recipient has broadened their outlook and brought valuable global perspectives back to campus, enhancing the experience for all.
Congratulations to the following nominees (finalists in bold):
- Lee Baigent
- Haris Chaudry
- Kayla Cooper
- Eman Khalid Mahmood
- Yiannis Laouris
- Megan Menzies-Newell
- Shakeel Mohammed
- Konstantina Papaioannou
- Lilya Rameshni
- Thomas Rodgers
- Stella Verdoes
- Christopher Webb
- Xinyu Zhang Zhang
Diversity Impact Award
Nominations open to both current students and graduates
The Diversity Impact Award celebrates individuals or organisations that have advanced equality, inclusivity, and diversity in Portsmouth.
Nominees have fostered a more inclusive community by raising awareness, advocating for change, and championing equality. Through education, advocacy, or engagement, the recipient has inspired positive change and promoted a culture of respect and acceptance.
Congratulations to the following nominees (finalists in bold):
- Hammad Al Bachitie
- Anaum Ashfaq
- Dhruvisha Bharvad
- Awaaz FM Community Radio
- Lyla Deakin
- Walkukah Lawrence Gonshing
- Emile Johnson
- Eman Khalid Mahmood
- Tithi-Rathindra Modak
- Emily Rodrigues
- Diya Shah
- Georgia Thompson
- Christopher Webb
Research Impact Award
Nominations open to both current students and graduates
The Research Impact Award recognises outstanding student or graduate research that makes, or promises to make, a meaningful societal contribution.
Nominees have developed innovative projects that tackle real-world challenges, drive social progress, or improve community well-being. The recipient’s research goes beyond academic excellence, creating tangible benefits and inspiring positive change.
Congratulations to the following nominees (finalists in bold):
- Chiara Herath
- Tracy Jones
- Eman Khalid Mahmood
- Jasmine Milton
- Francesca (Frankie) Raine
- Sadie White
Entrepreneurial Impact Award
Nominations open to both current students and graduates
The Entrepreneurial Impact Award celebrates University students and alumni who have launched successful businesses in the past five years.
Nominees are recognised for their creativity and entrepreneurial journey, contributing to the economic and social fabric of ºÚÁϳԹÏand the surrounding area. Through innovation, resilience, and impact, the recipient demonstrates how entrepreneurship can inspire change, drive local progress, and enhance community wellbeing.
Congratulations to the following nominees (finalists in bold):
- Usman Ali
- Georgia Eagle
- Megan Jacobs
- Adwaith Palakal
- Wareda Shah
- Isaac Street
- Christopher Webb
- Joy Yau
Alumni Impact Award
Open to graduates
The Alumni Impact Award celebrates alumni who have shown exceptional leadership, innovation, or service in their field.
Nominees have made meaningful contributions that inspire positive change and reflect the University’s values. The recipient is an alum who has had a significant impact on their community, locally, nationally, or internationally, through professional achievements, social initiatives, or advocacy.
Congratulations to the following nominees (finalists in bold):
- Md Shamim Ahmed
- Umar Ali Amar
- Lourdes Del Rosso
- Jocelyn Johnson
- Eman Khalid Mahmood
- Elisha Le Moignan
- Theodoros Nikolakopoulos
- Mimi Nwosu
- Lauren Parker
- Jona Schubert
- Christopher Webb
Student Achievement Impact Award
Open to current students
The Student Achievement Impact Award celebrates the exceptional achievements of a student or group of students in any field.
Nominees may have made outstanding contributions to academia, community service, leadership, innovation, or other areas.
The recipient(s) have demonstrated excellence, making a significant impact on the ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï and the wider community.
Congratulations to the following nominees (finalists in bold):
- Stephen Abe
- Mariam Bolatiwa
- Luke Campbell
- Jeet Chatterjee
- Simba Dube
- Harriet Griffen
- Student Advice Team from Careers & Employability
- Verity Knight
- Isaac Lawal
- Lauren Massey
- Kiran Thulasiraman Reddy
- Saagarika Sharma
- Team UoP Climbing Club
- Jonathan Tyler-Moore
- Zac Zownir
Vice Chancellor’s Civic Impact Award
The winner of this award is chosen by the panel from the other 13 categories, as a leading example of a person or group who made a significant positive difference in the community.
Whoever wins this award, the panel will need to choose an alternative winner for the category in which they were originally nominated, as a student cannot win more than one award.
Student Impact Awards Evening
Shortlisting
Nominees will be shortlisted in each award category after nominations close.
Shortlisted nominees will then be invited to the Student Impact Awards Evening with a guest.
Judging
Each category will have a winner and a runner-up selected by the review panel and announced at the Awards Evening.
The panel is made up of members from the University Executive Board, Students' Union Executives, regional dignitaries and academic colleagues.
Prizes
Award winners receive a commemorative trophy, with winners and runners-up receiving printed certificates.
Make a nomination
Any current ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï student can be nominated for the Student Impact Awards, either as an individual or as a member of a group. Graduates can be nominated for specific awards.
You can submit a nomination if you are a student employer, voluntary organisation, member of staff, or student with us. Students can self-nominate. Nominees may be individuals or, in some cases, groups.
Students could be nominated for an activity that is a part of their studies, or for something they have done as an extracurricular activity. If the nomination is related to their course, the activity should demonstrate how they have gone beyond the expectations and requirements of their studies.
*Please note that travel and expenses will not be reimbursed for this activity.*
Nominations will close on 5 March 2025.
Your nomination should:
- Highlight the best award for your nominee. Choose the most fitting category by reading the award descriptions above.
- Include clear evidence that your nominee meets the award criteria. We’ll shortlist nominees using only the information that you provide, regardless of any existing knowledge the panel has of the student, team or project.
- Demonstrate the positive impact your nominee or team has had outside of the University while studying with us. This may be an impact on the city, region, UK or overseas and can be a one-off or ongoing activity.
- Provide as much detail as you can to evidence the impact and reach of the activities of the nominee.
To nominate more than one nominee, or to nominate someone for more than one category, you need to submit the form separately for each nomination and include detail about how each nomination differs.
What are we looking for?
The specific criteria for each award are listed above. When reviewing nominations, judges will look for evidence of how the nominated students have fulfilled those criteria
The judges will also be looking for evidence of how the nominees have used or developed the Hallmarks of a ºÚÁϳԹÏGraduate that the University aims to nurture and develop among our students.